Drivers will begin receiving
Digitized Driver's Licenses by July
RFP issued for accelerated rollout; funding needed from Fix DMV bill
(Trenton) – In an effort to combat document fraud and continue DMV reform, an RFP that will put digitized driver’s licenses in the hands of New Jersey drivers by summer was issued today.
Acting Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere and DMV Director Diane Legreide today issued an improved RFP that will make the more secure licenses available on a pilot basis beginning in July.
Plans for what will ultimately be a tamper-proof license were accelerated due to concerns about illegal trafficking in phony licenses and a shortage of film needed to produce current licenses. The contract will allow for the purchase of digital camera equipment for the DMV’s four regional centers and 45 agencies.
"Over the past year we’ve made critical progress in protecting the people of New Jersey by improving security at the DMV," said Governor James E. McGreevey. "We’ve instituted background checks for employees, replaced 25 agents, created a Document Fraud Task Force and provided customer service training to employees for the first time in 15 years. Nearly 80 individuals have been arrested and charged with document fraud.
"But our work is not done. Today’s RFP is an important step in making sure New Jersey’s citizens and DMV credentials are as safe as possible."
Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox ordered the initial RFP for DDLs held last year due to concerns over security loopholes. Following an independent review, the RFP was divided into two phases.
"The first RFP has more than a dozen additional security improvements that will make it more difficult for New Jersey driver’s licenses to be illegally duplicated and protect New Jerseyans from identity theft," said Lettiere. "Internal security measures will prevent employees from producing fraudulent licenses and the cards will have a "biometric ready" platform to facilitate the inclusion of future state or federally-mandated security requirements."
The RFP will be awarded in March.
The Governor’s Fix DMV bill will allow for full implementation through a second RFP. Additional security features will include: stricter identification procedures, real-time verification of Social Security and immigration status information, stringent inventory control and auditing measures, and a secure centralized production of all license documents.
If additional funding does not materialize, the DMV will be restricted to issuing DDLs on a limited basis.
"The fight for reforming the DMV is well underway, but far from over," said Legreide. "We’re confident with the passage of the Governor’s reform bill on a bi-partisan basis we can get the job done."
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